Analysts are concerned with the declining exports and imports of China

Chinese exports dropped 0.5% since last year hurt by stagnant demand and factories being shut down during the Lunar New Year.Imports also fell by 15.3%, resulting in a trade surplus of $27.3bn (£17bn). The fall in imports comes as China has been trying to boost domestic demand in an attempt to offset slowing exports. However, according to reports by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, the import index for January fell to 46.9 from 49.3 in the previous month, showing slowing demand at home.

Experts fear that the bigger-than-expected drop, especially in imports, is an indication of slowing growth. A decline of over 15% in the beginning of the year cannot be entirely explained by the lunar calendar, and adds weight to the view that economic output is slower than headline indicators might suggest.

The export sector has been key to China's economic growth in the past few years as global firms have turned to Beijing to take advantage of its low-cost manufacturing.However, a slowdown in the US and the eurozone, which are two of the biggest markets for Chinese goods, has seen the pace of growth of shipments slow in recent months.

Despite the numbers, analysts say the fallis likely to be short-lived and imports may start to rise in the upcoming months.

Domaza - Properties